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Exploring Art Therapy with Children

Feb 9, 2025

Lecture on Art Therapy with Children

Key Concepts

  • Materials for Art Therapy

    • Children are naturally inclined to engage with art materials (pencil, paint, clay).
    • Different materials elicit different responses:
      • Drawing Materials (Pencil/Pen): Elicit controlled, intellectual behavior. Children may present stereotypical drawings.
      • Clay: Initially seen as play material (may cause playful regression) but can lead to integration and creativity.
      • Paint: Raises emotional responses; reveals affective temperament of the child. Can show integration and meaning when paired with clay creations.
  • Procedure Differences for Children

    • Unlike psychological tests, art therapy focuses on what the material elicits in a child rather than projecting imagery.
    • Encourages exploration and integration rather than following structured projects.

Example Session

  • Initial Activities

    • Child proposed drawing a rocket, a familiar and practiced subject.
    • Incorporation of stereotypical elements like the sun and moon.
  • Choosing Materials

    • Offered choice between paint and clay.
    • Child selected clay, demonstrated focused and intensive building.
  • Creations with Clay

    • Child made sneakers, with detailed attention and no regression to simple play.
    • Discussion on potential for painting the clay sneakers.
  • Paint Exploration

    • Child engaged in color mixing, learning to create green and other colors.
    • Completed painting with stripes, showing some control limitations.

Observations and Outcomes

  • Role of Therapist

    • Provided materials and guidance without intrusion.
    • Transitioned to the role of audience, offering admiration and encouragement.
  • Child's Engagement and Learning

    • Demonstrated ability to follow through with clay creation and paint mixing.
    • Learned to create various colors and applied them creatively.
  • Final Thoughts

    • Child showed ambivalence about future engagement with art materials.
    • Expressed gratitude for hard work and encouraged potential future projects with paint.